Peng JIn

 

Peng jin is considered the foremost of the eight jin of taijiquan. Without peng jin actions appear weak and lack the integral elasticity and pliancy of taijiquan and strength cannot be brought forth and expressed.

Peng jin is a kind of supple and supportive strength (the so-called eight directional support strength) achieved through the elongation and lengthening of the body during practice.

The process can be trained by observing the following three sets of fundamental principles: 

1.An insubstantial energy lifts the head; qi sinks into the dantian.

The head and the cervical vertebra gently lift upwards whilst qi sinks  and concentrates in the dantian. The latter at the most basic is allowing the lower abdomen to relax and the tailbone to fall.  The double actions create an opposing upward and downward force in the spine as it is being elongated.  In time the range of  movements of the joints increase,  and the fasciae expand to support proper qi flow into the dantian.  If the fasciae is not involved (if training is overly soft) it is difficult to feel and strengthen qi 

2. Contain the chest & extend the back; loosen the shoulders & sink the elbows.

This is to achieve a cross-over support of the shoulders and back. When containing the chest avoid pulling up or hunching the back. The chest remains flat and relaxed so that breathing is easy and natural.  There is an opposing expansion between the chest and the back, offering front and back support roles.  The shoulders blades open outwards to extend the back.

The purpose of loosening the shoulders is to connect the arms and the shoulders so that they move as a unit.  Sinking the elbows gradually loosens and extends the elbow joints. When the connection between the arms and back is established and the spine begins to control actions there will be peng jin in the arms because transmission of jin is not broken at the shoulders.

3. Round the crotch and loosen the kua.

These two principles enable the lower plane to achieve complementary opposites and lengthening forces.  Because the legs are constantly weight-bearing it is more difficult to achieve. But by keeping the crotch rounded and the kua loose the legs and joints are extended by opposing strength and also through the rotation of the centre and other actions.

The above mentioned extension, elongation, lengthening and application of opposite forces are done under the premise of looseness, relaxation and mind driven and not by force.

First look to the feet...

In Taijiquan, there is a saying: "Look first at the feet, then look at the hands”. 

Footwork is considered the foundation and precursor of Taijiquan proficiency.  Most people are concerned about the hand placements and often overlook the importance of foot placements.

Taijiquan emphasises that power is initiated from the heels, through the legs, controlled in the waist, expressed in the hands.  From the feet through to the hands,  the upper and lower parts are coordinated and completed with unbroken momentum (in one breath or one qi as often explained). The integrity of the lower plane determines the upper plane, therefore only if the  footwork is correct then body method is right. If foundation is unstable it is likened to the earth shaking the mountain that sits above it. Therefore, it is very important to strengthen the gongfu of the legs (feet) and pay attention to Taijiquan footwork .

So how to practise footwork? 

To begin, understand the different stances and steps, for example, horse stance, bow stance, T-shaped stance, empty stance, crouching stance, single-leg stance, forward steps, backward steps, horizontal step, oblique step, follow step, cover step etc. Be precise with each during training and not glance over them with an approximation.  Also build a good foundation by strengthening the legs and their capabilities to weight bear,  support and stabilise (through standing pole or single movement training) as well as increasing flexibility and pliancy.